Sherlock was in a deep enough sleep not to notice Blackheath move away from him. It only caused him to shift and finally close his mouth, halting the snoring. It was telling how tired he must have been, as not that or even John entering the flat woke him. Sherlock's sleep was rarely decent, but in this way of life, it was fitful, and if he was lucky, dreamless.

However, once John started clearing the dishes, the clanking of metal and ceramics caused him to jolt up with a start and a bit of incoherent babbling. His heart beat fast until he saw his friend and settled back into the chair. Nonchalantly, he checked his watch.

"You're home late."